Combination bussing and washing tray and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A bussing and dishwasher tray has a floor section. The floor section is grated. A wall section extends up from a perimeter of the floor section. A plurality of holding members is formed on the floor section. A plurality of container sections is formed along an interior surface area of the wall section.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of pending application having Ser. No. 12/762,850, filed on Apr. 19, 2010, in the name of the same inventor. The present application claims the benefit thereof. The present application is further related to pending divisional application having Ser. No. 13/027,995, filed on Feb. 15, 2011, in the name of the same inventor. All of the above applications are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to restaurant equipment, and more specifically, to a combination bussing and dish washer tray.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the restaurant industry, bussing trays are used to help restaurant employees remove used plates, glasses, utensils and the like from the table after these items have been used. Presently, all bussing trays consist of a flat rectangular or oval shape tray having raised edges. In general, when bussing a table, a restaurant employee will stack used plates, glasses, utensils and the like onto the bussing tray. In some instances, the bussing tray may be used with a bussing cart. In these cases, the restaurant employee may empty the contents from the used plates and glasses into a trash container on the cart and then stack used plates, glasses, utensils and the like onto the bussing tray. The employee may stack a plurality of bussing trays on the bussing cart.

Once the table or tables have been cleared, the restaurant employee must remove the used plates, glasses, utensils and the like from each bussing tray and place the items in a dishwashing rack so that the items may be cleaned in a dishwasher.

A problem with current busing trays is that one has to remove the used plates, glasses, utensils and the like from each bussing tray and place these items in a dishwashing rack. This is a time consuming process. Second, due to the configuration of current bussing trays, only a limited amount of items may be placed on each tray.

Therefore, a need exists to provide a device and method to overcome the above problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a bussing and dishwasher tray is disclosed. The bussing and dishwasher tray has a floor section. The floor section is grated. A wall section extends up from a perimeter of the floor section. A plurality of holding members is formed on the floor section. A plurality of container sections is formed along an interior surface area of the wall section

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a bussing and dishwasher tray is disclosed. The bussing and dishwasher tray has a floor section. The floor section is grated. A wall section extends up from a perimeter of the floor section. The wall section has a lower wall section wherein the lower wall section is a non-grated wall structure having minimal openings. An upper wall section extends up from the lower wall section. The upper wall section is a grated wall section. A plurality of holding members is formed on the floor section. A plurality of container sections is formed along an interior surface area of the wall section. Handle members are formed on an exterior surface area of the wall section.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a combination bussing and dishwasher tray 10 (hereinafter tray 10) is shown. The tray 10 may be used to bus tables in order to remove plates, glasses, utensils and the like from the table (hereinafter table items). The table items are then placed in the tray 10. They tray 10 may then be placed directly into a dishwasher for cleaning of the items without the need to transfer the tables items from a bussing tray to a dishwasher tray.

The tray 10 may has a floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12A. By having a grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.

A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof. The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wall structure 14 is a combination wall structure. The wall structure 14 has a lower section 14A which is non-grated wall structure having minimal openings. The non-grated wall structure will help to ensure table items placed in the tray 10 remain in the tray 10 during bussing and washing. In FIG. 1, the wall section 14 further has an upper section 14B. In the present embodiment, the upper section 14B is a grated wall section. The grated wall section will have a plurality of openings 14C formed therein. The grated wall section allows the tray 10 to increase the overall height of the wall structure 14 to allow the tray 10 to carry more table items during bussing and washing. Further, by having a grated wall section, the overall weight of the tray 10 is reduced.

One or more handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the wall section 14 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides of the wall section 14.

A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.

In FIG. 1, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density, location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The tray 10 may further have a plurality of container sections 20. The container sections 20 may be separate structures which are attached to the tray 10. Alternatively, the container sections 20 may be formed as a single unit with the tray 10. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. The container sections 20 are used to store smaller table items such as silverware and the like during bussing and washing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the container sections 20 are positioned along an interior surface of the wall section 14. However, this is only shown as an example. The container sections 20 may be formed in other areas of the tray 10 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a combination bussing and dishwasher tray 10′ (hereinafter tray 10′) is shown. The tray 10′ may have a floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12R. By having a grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.

A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof. The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the wall structure 14 is a combination wall structure. The wall structure 14 has a lower section 14A which is non-grated wall structure having minimal openings. The non-grated wall structure will help to ensure table items placed in the tray 10 remain in the tray 10 during bussing and washing. The wall section 14 further has an upper section 14B. In the present embodiment, the upper section 14B is a grated wall section. The grated wall section will have a plurality of openings 14C formed therein. The grated wall section allows the tray 10 to increase the overall height of the wall structure 14 to allow the tray 10 to carry more table items during bussing and washing. Further, by having a grated wall section, the overall weight of the tray 10 is reduced.

One or more handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the wall section 14 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides of the wall section 14.

One or more racks 22 are formed in the interior of the wall section 14. The racks 22 may be separate structures which are attached to the wall section 14. Alternatively, the racks 22 may extend from the wall section 14 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process.

The racks 22 may be used to hold one or more plates or other table items in an upright position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the racks 22 are formed of a plurality of parallel bar members 22A. One end of each bar member 22A is attached to the wall section 14. A second end of each bar member 22A extends in a downward angle and is attached to the floor section 12. FIG. 2 shows a pair of racks 22 wherein one rack 22 is placed on each end of the tray 10′. However, this is only shown as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a combination bussing and dishwasher tray 10A (hereinafter tray 10A) is shown. The tray 10A may have a floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12A. By having a grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.

A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof. The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the wall structure 14 is a grated wall 14D.

One or more handles 16 may be formed in the wall section 14. The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the wall section 14 as a single unit or be formed in the wall section 14. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides of the wall section 14. In the present embodiment, the handles 16 are openings 16A formed in the wall section 14.

A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.

In FIG. 3, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density, location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

One or more racks 22 are formed in the floor section 12. The racks 22 may be formed of a planer member 22C formed between a pair of finger members 18. However, this is only shown as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The racks 22 may be used to hold one or more plates or other table items in an upright position.

Referring to FIG. 4, a combination bussing and dishwasher tray 10B (hereinafter tray 10B) is shown. The tray 10B may have a floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12A. By having a grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.

A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof. The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the wall structure 14 is a grated wall 14D.

One or more handles 16 may be formed in the wall section 14. The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the wall section 14 as a single unit or be formed in the wall section 14. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides of the wall section 14. In the present embodiment, the handles 16 are openings 16A formed in the wall section 14.

A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.

In FIG. 4, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density, location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, a combination bussing and dishwasher tray 10C (hereinafter tray 10C) is shown. The tray 10C may have a floor section 12. The floor section 12 may be a grate structure having a plurality of parallel or crossed bars 12A. By having a grate structure, the floor 12 allows water, food, and the like to drain out of the bottom of the tray 10.

A wall structure 14 may be formed around the perimeter of the floor section 12. The wall structure 14 may be a non-grated wall structure, a grated wall structure, or a combination thereof. The wall structure 14 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the wall section 14 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the wall structure 14 is a combination wall structure. The wall structure 14 is a grated wall 14D.

One or more handles 16 may be formed in the wall section 14. The handles 16 may be a separate structure which is attached to the wall section 14. Alternatively, the handles 16 may extend from the wall section 14 as a single unit or be formed in the wall section 14. In general, a pair of handles 16 may be formed on the wall section 14. The pair of handles 16 may be formed on opposite sides of the wall section 14. In the present embodiment, the handles 16 are openings 16A formed in the wall section 14.

A plurality of finger members 18 may be formed on the floor section 12. The fingers 18 may be a separate structure which is attached to the floor section 12. Alternatively, the fingers 18 may extend up from the floor section 12 as a single unit. In such an embodiment, the tray 10 may be formed by an injection molding process. The finger members 18 may be used to stand table items up in the tray 10. The finger members 18 further may be used to secure table items in the tray 10 so as to allow only minimal movement when the tray is placed in a dishwasher.

In FIG. 3, the finger members 18 are formed in an array like manner. The finger members 18 are spaced over a majority of the floor section 12. However, this is only shown as an example. The finger members 18 may be formed in different patterns, density, location, and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

One or more racks 22 are formed in the floor section 12. The racks 22 may be formed of a planer member 22C formed between a pair of finger members 18. However, this is only shown as an example and should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The racks 22 may be used to hold one or more plates or other table items in an upright position.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bussing and dishwasher tray comprising: a floor section, wherein the floor section is grated; a wall section extending up from a perimeter of the floor section, wherein the wall section is grated; and a plurality of holding members formed on the floor section.
 2. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 1 further comprising handle members formed on the wall section.
 3. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 2 wherein the handle members comprises a pair of openings formed through the wall section.
 4. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises at least one rack formed on the floor section.
 5. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of rack members formed on the floor section.
 6. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of rack members formed on the floor section, the plurality of rack members arranged in an array.
 7. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 1 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises at least one rack formed on the floor section, the rack having a plurality of parallel bar members.
 8. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of parallel bar members are attached to a pair of finger members extending up from the floor.
 9. A bussing and dishwasher tray comprising: a floor section, wherein the floor section is grated; a wall section extending up from a perimeter of the floor section, wherein the wall section is grated; a plurality of holding members formed on the floor section; and handle members formed on the wall section.
 10. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 9 wherein the handle members comprises a pair of openings formed through the wall section.
 11. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 9 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises at least one rack formed on the floor section.
 12. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 9 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of rack members formed on the floor section.
 13. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 9 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of rack members formed on the floor section, the plurality of rack members arranged in an array.
 14. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 9 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises at least one rack formed on the floor section, the rack having a plurality of parallel bar members.
 15. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim wherein each of the plurality of parallel bar members are attached to a pair of finger members extending up from the floor.
 16. A bussing and dishwasher tray comprising: a floor section, wherein the floor section is grated; a wall section extending up from a perimeter of the floor section, wherein the wall section is grated; handle members formed on the wall section, wherein the handle members comprises a pair of openings formed through the wall section; and a plurality of holding members formed on the floor section.
 17. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 16 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises at least one rack formed on the floor section.
 18. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim wherein the plurality of holding members comprises a plurality of rack members formed on the floor section, the plurality of rack members arranged in an array.
 19. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 16 wherein the plurality of holding members comprises at least one rack formed on the floor section, the rack having a plurality of parallel bar members.
 20. A bussing and dishwasher tray in accordance with claim 19 wherein each of the plurality of parallel bar members are attached to a pair of finger members extending up from the floor. 